The condition of Texas will apply a new regulations from January 1, 2026 This is redefining the way real estate professionals obtain, maintain and practice their licenses. The law, identified as SB 1968which was approved by the legislature and signed by Greg Abbottsets rules that directly impact brokers, sales agents and buyers involved in real estate transactions.
The main axis of legislation of Texas real estate refers to the representation of the buyer and the mandatory nature of formal contracts between agents and customers.
The standard specifies when a signed document must be available, what elements it must contain and what limits its use has in individual cases.
This change means that no commercial activity can be carried out for a home buyer without prior agreement.
In addition, according to the text of the law, the regulations mandates updates to educational requirements for licensureadditional disclosure rules and guidelines regarding what information the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) may disclose to the public.
One of the most important changes in the SB Act of 1968 consists of the requirement of a written agreement between the holder of a real estate license and any person interested in purchasing residential property.
This document is required before performing two specific actions: Show a home to the potential buyer or make an offer on their behalf.
The regulations specify that the agreement must contain:
The obligation to document the professional relationship serves to standardize the representation process and protect both parties.
From the Effective Date do not have this agreement will provide a direct reason for TREC to open one Disciplinary proceedings suspend, revoke or sanction a license.
The project allows an agent to show a person a house without recognizing them as a customer. but interaction will be limited. In this scenario, the professional is unable to give an opinion on the property, suggest decisions or act as a representative. You can only display the property, but no commercial activity is permitted..
If a temporary agreement is signed solely for the purpose of presenting housing pursuant to Section 1101.562, The document must not be exclusive or have a validity period of more than 14 days.. This creates a reduced and controlled framework for unrepresented interaction between professionals and third parties.
Another change related to the placement numbers is the elimination of subagency in the Texas Real Estate License Act.
The measure reorganizes the way agents interact with different parties and limits regulations on who can represent whom in a transaction.
The legislation changes the training criteria for those who want to purchase or renew a license. Sales representatives are obliged to: have at least 12 semester hours credited of qualified courses or their equivalent in teaching hours, in accordance with the provisions of the TREC.
The most significant change is the creation of the Broker Responsibility course, Mandatory for all real estate agents and anyone supervising another professional.
These lessons are part of the further training and have a maximum duration of six hours. This applies to both new applicants and all extensions after 2026. Even those who do not sponsor agents must complete it.
The training includes guidelines on:
For those who want to obtain a real estate agent license, This course may count toward hours required in related subjects.
The law comes into force on January 1, 2026 applies only to applications for new licenses or renewals submitted on or after this date.
At this point, education requirements, brokerage obligations, and agency contract rules will be enforced in Texas.
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